The Dead Lands

The dead -

they sigh to me.

They tell me to seek a warrior

more monster than man...

...and only he can help me save my people.

There is a break between the world of the living

and the world of the dead.

The spirits of the dead can no longer reach their ancestors

and are forced back into the world...

...back into their decaying bodies.

If you heal this breach, who wouldn't welcome you then?

Your ancestors refuse you an afterlife.

- We will let you return. - What?

You're Waka Nuku Rau.

You can help my tribe, if the legends are true about you.

What is it that I'm to do for your tribe?

The dead took my father.

Save him, and I'll give you my blood.

You were meant to kill the girl, and now the gods are displeased.

Kill the girl.

You're frightened of the dead.

What if they can't make you do anything?

If they could, I wouldn't be here, would I?

My uncle's tribe lives there, in the tunnels and caves.

Is it true that my brother has gone

from the light of this world?

Your uncle is a shaman of great power.

He's hiding something.

Mehe, I loved Father as much as you,

but he did not have Uncle's strength.

You're not fit to lead.

Get away from them!

He wants to sacrifice our children.

I challenge you...

for the leadership of the tribes.

- -

You should have killed me.

Where is your honour? Is there none in this tribe anymore?

Greetings, Waka Nuku Rau.

There is a boy held captive by three sisters -

powerful witches.

Find this boy.

You see, he knows the name of the one who broke the world.

And the girl...

- Mehe. - Protect her, Waka Nuku Rau...

for she has a gift that not even she knows she possesses.

- -

Where's the boy?

Te Hau!

Te Hau!

Leave him!

Where's your honour? Help me!

...tenei tauira nau e Rongo. E oho e ara e!

Hoki mai ra koe ki taiao. Whiti or a! Maranga mai ki runga!

Bring him.

What is it?

He's possessed by a tipua -

an evil spirit.

And there are more coming even now.

Is she a witch?

Tenei te ara, te ara ka iri. O Hine I te aio.

O Hine I te rangi tuhaha. O Hine kino ano hoki.

Ki enei tauira nau e Hine.

- Tenei te ara, te ara ka iri. -

- O Hine I te aio. - What do you see, boy?

I walked in the kingdom below the edge of the world.

He's coming.

Who?

Who's coming?

Where are you?

Speak to me!

You have all of these wonderful ideas.

'Find the witches, ' you say, but you don't tell me how.

You look quite mad, you know, when you do that -

talk to the dead.

Maybe I am mad. Have you thought of that?

I'm considering it.

They speak to me, but they make no sense.

They never come when they're wanted,

and they sneak up in the night, like rats in my mind.

And they told you to find these witches?

More the boy they hold captive.

Why?

Because he knows who broke the world

and keeps the dead from the afterlife.

Don't get too excited.

No one's heard of these witches or the boy. I've asked everyone.

Even my uncle?

That madman wouldn't tell us where to shit.

And he wants your blood... unless you've forgotten.

Do you have a better idea?

Come on, then.

Tohungia te ngaki o mate.

Tohungia te ranaki kero.

Kia rere arorangi atu na.

Aku tao.

Will you speak with me, Uncle?

I need your help.

Three witches - sisters.

Do you know them?

Told you he won't help us.

- Let's kill him. - You should.

He's right.

Years ago I warned your father about you.

You're dangerous.

From the day you were born, I felt it.

Do you know these women - yes or no?

They protect his sacred places.

No one enters those lands.

Tell us how to get there.

Willingly.

He's lying.

Why would you?

I was planning a makutu,

one that would dry your ovaries,

and far worse to you.

And now?

Now I don't need to if you go to that place.

There is a cave.

What is it?

It's protection...

against sorcery.

- Can I share it with Waka? - Don't.

If he's bewitched,

it will teach you whether these women are to be trusted or not.

- Do you see? - I see you don't like him.

Do you really believe he's changed?

He's trying.

Listen to me. Keep this to yourself.

Let him be the warning.

Be clever, like your father taught you to be.

Your uncle said we need to reach the cave before dark.

Your uncle said we need to reach the cave before dark.

Ka kite taua.

We won't make it like this.

Don't make me leave you behind, girl!

- Bastard. - I heard that.

- - You're not as fit as you look.

You're not as stupid as you sound.

Your uncle was telling the truth.

We can sleep there tonight.

Go away. I'm not killing the girl.

I'm not doing it, I said.

I've decided to seek honour in the world.

Honour?

You?

This should provide me with much entertainment.

I'm glad I can amuse you.

This girl you're with - this high-born Ariki.

You think she's an innocent?

- She uses you. - No.

She's smart, that one.

She uses you to honour her own ancestors.

She's different, I tell you.

Oh, you're such a bad judge of character.

You always were. She's preparing to sacrifice you right now.

Keep your lies.

I'll show you.

Do you want to see your future or not?